Simon Ekpa, a Finnish-Nigerian municipal politician and separatist leader, has been detained by the Päijät-Häme District Court on suspicion of incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent. The alleged offense occurred in Lahti on August 23, 2021.
The Finnish National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has also requested the detention of four other men on related terrorism charges.
Ekpa, a representative of Finland’s National Coalition Party (NCP) in local governance, serves on Lahti’s public transport committee. He is widely known for his role in leading a Nigerian separatist movement advocating for an independent Biafran state in southeastern Nigeria.
According to the NBI, Ekpa is suspected of using his leadership role to incite violent acts against civilians and authorities in Nigeria, allegedly coordinating these actions from Finland through social media.
“This activity has been carried out, among other means, via social media channels,” said Detective Chief Inspector Otto Hiltunen in a statement.
Broader Investigation
The investigation centers on a Finnish citizen of Nigerian descent, born in the 1980s, who is accused of publicly inciting crimes with terrorist intent. Police confirmed the arrests of four other suspects earlier this week on allegations of financing terrorism.
The suspects include Ekpa, who resides in the Lahti region, and two individuals living in Helsinki. One of the suspects has no registered address in Finland.
Controversial History
Ekpa is no stranger to controversy. In 2023, Finnish police detained him on suspicion of fundraising fraud, though he was released the same evening.
His separatist activism has drawn global attention, especially his calls to boycott Nigerian elections. In a widely circulated video, Ekpa declared, “No elections will be held! Nigerian elections will not be allowed in Biafran territory in 2023.”
Ekpa has also publicly defended the use of violence, stating, “I support violence against Nigerian government forces. This is self-defense. They constantly attack us and have committed numerous war crimes. We have no choice but to defend ourselves.”
Party Response
The National Coalition Party has refrained from confirming Ekpa’s membership status. Party Secretary Timo Elo stated, “We never say who is and who isn’t our member. That is confidential information.”
Elo added that if a party member were found to be involved in terrorism-related offenses, it would likely result in expulsion.
Ekpa’s role in local governance, including his position on the public transport commission, is expected to be reviewed by authorities in Lahti.
